Cardio Exercises to Do at Home

There is a wrong belief among people that the best cardio workout can be done only in the gym. However, it is a misconception, as there are a number of cardio exercises to do at home. It is only time, which you will have to spare for a cardio workout, and, of course, be diligent with it. You will have to exercise three to five times a week for about 45 to 60 minutes per session. Cardio exercise is an activity which requires you to put in effort and increase the heart and breathing rate. We will now see some good cardio exercises at home.

Cardio Exercises to Do at Home

There are a number of cardio exercises to do at home, which can very easily be done even without the help of a trainer.

Step Aerobics
This a wonderful cardiovascular exercise, which is a big hit with women. It mainly targets the legs, hips and gluteal muscles. A rigorous step aerobics session will make you lose as many as 400 calories in about 30 to 45 minutes. You can also add some hand movements to also workout the upper body.

Jumping Rope
It is one of the most simplest, yet very effective cardio exercises to do at home. You will not have to spend more than 15 to 20 minutes to get an unparalleled total body workout. Jumping rope is an ideal exercise for cardiovascular endurance. This exercise also helps in eye-hand coordination, lateral movement, foot and hand speed and agility. A number of athletes playing sports such as tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, etc. also have benefited from this exercise at it also enhances performance in these sports as well.

Cycling
Cycling can be a great indoor as well as outdoor cardio exercise. If you are using the stationary cycle, you can increase the resistance while cycling for added intensity of exercise. In case you plan to cycle outdoors, then it is recommended you cycle uphill for deriving better benefits from the exercise. Depending on speed and resistance while cycling, the number of calories burned can be anywhere between 250 to 500 calories in 30 minutes.

Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are recommended for intense cardio exercises at home. It is a traditional yet an intense exercise, which can be challenging for a number of people. This exercise focuses on conditioning and total body endurance. It is important to perform this exercise correctly to avoid any injury when you are doing the exercise.

Swimming
I agree swimming cannot be done at home, but if you have access to a swimming pool, then you may want to make the most of it. Since water provides resistance to the body while swimming, it makes for a wonderful cardio exercise.

Walking
Like swimming, I agree you will have to go outdoors for walking exercise. Although traditional, it is a low impact exercise, which is suitable for all age groups. You can also try power walk, if you are of the opinion that you require a more strenuous exercise. Running and jogging together also make for a great cardio exercise.

Apart from these exercises, there are also a number of exercises which also make for wonderful cardio exercises at home. The first of these exercises is the froggy jump. It helps to get the heart rate up in a very short time. It helps to enhance lower body power, cardio endurance as well as burn a lot of calories. Squat thrust is an exercise a number of us have done in high school gym class. It works the entire body and is challenging for the heart, lungs and the whole body. One of my favorite is the mountain climber exercise. It is a great overall exercise, which will also help to build leg endurance and work on agility. Apart from these, there are other exercises which also can be made to be a part of your schedule.

You can chalk out your own cardio workouts at home from the above examples of cardio exercises at home. I always vary my exercise after every 4 to 5 weeks, so that I do not get bored of the same exercise and also so that I am able to derive benefits from the exercise.